Soccer Standout To Pursue Pro Career In Germany

May 13, 2009|ALEX KUSHEL plantation@tribune.com

Michael Hinden has a good reason for missing his upcoming high school graduation ceremony. He will be finishing up a two-week stay in Berlin, where he is slated to try out for a number of German soccer teams.

"I have been training hard the last few months, six days a week," said Hinden, a student at Western High School. "This is what I have wanted to do since I started playing. I'm ready for this chance."

Hinden played for the Plantation Eagles Soccer Club the past four years after previously playing in Davie. He led the Under-18 boy's team in goals and assists this past season.

"I knew Plantation ran a good program and the club could help me play at a higher level and take me on the track where I wanted to be," said Hinden, who began playing soccer when he was 8 years old. "The Eagles club is much more competitive and serious and one of the more well-organized clubs in South Florida."

If he is not offered a professional contract, Hinden will accept a scholarship offer to play soccer for St. Thomas University in the fall.

Hinden was heavily recruited by the Bobcats, and for good reason. He played four years on Western's varsity team and served as a captain during his senior season, leading the squad to an 18-4 record and appearances in the district final and regional quarterfinals.

As a senior, Hinden was recognized as an All-Star and was named first-team All-County by The Miami Herald.

"I played the offensive center-mid position real well," Hinden said. "I had a strong leadership role on the team, too."

Hinden will start his two-week trip in Berlin May 22 and, as a result, will miss his high school graduation ceremony in June. It won't be his first trip to Europe. When he was 10, Hinden played for the United Soccer Academy during a tour of Denmark, Sweden and England.

But there is more at stake this time around. "It will be a totally new experience," Hinden said. "I really liked Europe, and I know it's a much more competitive soccer environment. I hope to play professionally in Europe. I can sacrifice living in a foreign country if I'm playing soccer."

John Ramos, Plantation's director of coaching and player development, played professionally in Berlin and has connections there. He encouraged Hinden to try out. The Eagles will also send four players to Berlin in August to train with youth soccer clubs.

"Our soccer club is looking to offer the opportunity for the younger players to train away from home," Ramos said, "and gain more experience with different youth teams and professional coaches."